Blanc Inn

Pseudo hotel rooms

What we say:

The Blanc Inn is a great option for those looking for a bit of luxury along with the usual hostel experience. Just a five-minute train ride to the centre of town, the simple shophouse exterior belies a well-designed functionality within.

Welcome to Blanc Inn.

The entrance is minimalist, with just a table and couch visible from the outside, and the style is carried through with a simplicity of design that scores 39-bed Blanc high on the bright and cheerful scale.

Each alcove is a mini-room in itself, with one or two beds or mattresses, a lockable compartment and clothes hooks on the wall. Alcoves, which are clean, are accessed by drawing aside curtains while some also have curtains surrounding beds. Alcoves with two beds have a flight of steps leading to the second bed, which creates a sense of personal space for each occupant. None of these are bunk beds so the less agile need not worry.

An alcove in Blanc Inn comes with a curtain — don’t peek!

Free coffee, tea and hot water are provided throughout your stay and those looking to pass the time can pick up something to read on the bookshelf or watch DVDs on the communal television, though you’ll have to bring your own DVDs. Near the common area are bathrooms, which come with free shower gel and shampoo.

The chill-out area.

Reception can book tickets to key local attractions at a discounted rate. Laundry service is provided at S$0.50 per piece for a minimum of 10 pieces. The premises is monitored around the clock by CCTV and the main door to the rooms is only accessible with a code.

Lavender-located Blanc Inn stands out for its proximity to the city and low rates, particularly if booked for more than one person. A single bed in an alcove costs about S$63. Add a pull out mattress and the total cost of the alcove is S$74. For three to six people, the cost per person ends up around S$40. While breakfast isn’t provided, many coffee shops and cafes dot the area nearby.

The only downside here really is that there are no rooms with ensuite bathrooms, but if you don’t mind sharing a bathroom, the pseudo-hotel room feel is utterly worth it for these great hostel prices.